Understanding where we come from and knowing the people that created the US Virgin Islands is such a key part of respecting our territory. Coldwell Banker Virgin Islands Realtor Jeannette Davila has started the journey of researching her heritage and shared her wonderful story with us:
An invitation by Sonia Dow, Executive Director of the St. Croix Landmarks Society, to attend Old Time Crucian Christmas, at the Whim Museum led me to the St. Croix Landmarks Society Research Library and Archives*. When Jerry Doward, Library Volunteer handed me a Generation Pedigree Chart I realized how little I knew of my family’s history. An emergency group text to my sisters Juanita, Donna, and Diane made us realize that we each held valuable pieces of information. Our group effort produced the names and birthplaces (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) of our parents, grandparents, and 2 paternal great grandparents.
On a later visit, a tour with Wendy Alfred, Docent and Olu Massey, Drummer-Greeter beating the drums gave me and other attendees (including a couple visiting from Denmark) a historical overview of the Whim Museum**. Afterwards, Jerry gave me copies of the United States Census, a Social Security Claims form, Ship Arrival to the United States, Obituary, and Draft Card information on our ancestors. His research revealed the names of 2 previously unknown St. Thomian paternal great grandparents born in the 1860s.
Subsequently, at the Research Library & Archives, I tried my hand at researching the St. Patrick’s Church baptism & confirmation records and located records of our maternal grandmother born in Butler’s Bay & baptized in 1895, and the names of 2 Crucian maternal great grandparents both born in 1865. Armed with that information, Mr. Doward found our maternal great grandmother, grandmother, and mother (2 years old), residing in St. Thomas, in the 1930 United States Federal Census. Jerry asked a few more questions and will undoubtedly uncover more. If you are interested in researching your family history call (340) 772-0598, or email library@stcroixlandmarks.org, for an appointment.
Jeannette Davila, Realtor
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*The St. Croix Landmarks Research Library & Archives has church records (some dating back to 1765), Vital Statistics, the Superior Court marriage register, census records, public cemeteries data, microfilm, a map collection, and photograph collections.
**Whim Museum Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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